As you set out to find freelance clients, make sure you use a proven playbook: have a system for tracking and following-up on your pitches, and cast the widest net possible. Facebook can be an awesome place to expand your reach. Still, it shouldn’t be the only place you look for potential clients.
So, why is Facebook an answer to how to find freelance clients? For starters, billions of users already visit the website/app daily for information, recommendations, advice, and to network with friends and colleagues. But the best part is that this means you can find a ton of decision makers like marketing managers and business owners on Facebook.
So, the problem isn’t how to find freelance clients on Facebook, but more how to get in touch with them. And, unfortunately, it’s not as simple as you would hope. When done incorrectly, it could actually get your Facebook page shut down…
(Dun, dun, duuuuuun! Frightening, huh?)
So, check out the rest of the post below for our best practices on how to find freelance clients on Facebook and to learn exactly what you shouldn’t do.
Get Involved in the Right Communities
Let’s imagine you’re at a networking event, and you see a group of business owners sharing laughs and discussing their respective businesses. You’d no doubt want to join their conversation. Of course, you wouldn’t just walk into their circle and insert yourself because that would be awkward and kind of rude.
But, on Facebook that’s exactly what you should do. Ask to join the groups that have potential clients in them.
For example, there might be groups for local business owners to network with each other, or share advice to help other entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Or, maybe groups that are for business owners who use a similar software, or are fans of the same popular podcast. The possibilities are endless, so do your research and join those groups!
Not to mention, Facebook is pretty intuitive and will suggest similar groups to join, so have at it!
Help Out Other Group Members
It’s important to know that not all groups will let you make promotional quotes about you and your business, take a look at the rules and guidelines beforehand. Luckily, these types of posts aren’t the most effective way to find freelance clients on Facebook anyways.
The best action to take is to look for other members of the group looking for advice on their businesses in your area of expertise. For instance, someone might post something like “my social media isn’t generating the engagement I need it to.” If you’re a social media consultant, this is a perfect opportunity to help.
Now, don’t go into a complete summary of everything that they should change, but giving a bit of advice here and there is sure to develop some trust and validate your expertise. It’s a win-win, you get to help someone grow their business and there’s a good chance they’ll check out your Facebook page which should lead them straight to your website.
Plus, everyone else who reads the comments will see your valuable advice and will also want to know more about you!
Your comment could be something as simple as:
“Hi [name], I’m actually a professional [insert occupation] and I found a few things you could do to boost your [insert area for improvement and describe the one to two changes.] If you want more of an explanation or to discuss further feel free to DM me.”
Hopefully, you’ll start a conversation with a potential client and drive some other group members to your Facebook page.
Try to share one or two helpful pieces of advice in your groups at least a few times a week. You’ll most likely generate some new leads for your business and get the word out about your freelance business.
Interact with Potential Clients Outside of Groups
As soon as you connect with potential clients, like and follow their Facebook pages. But, don’t stop there, be sure to start commenting on their posts and sharing them every now and then.
But, practice some restraint. Commenting, liking, or sharing every single post will seem pushy. But, every once in a while share thoughtful/insightful comments and you’ll start to build a real digital relationship with the potential client.
Once they see that you’re engaging with their posts, they’ll probably head over to your profile which should have a link to both your portfolio and business Facebook page. Then, they’ll keep you in mind when they need help growing their business, and they might even send their business owner friends your way.
How NOT Pitch Clients on Facebook
As you know, pitching clients directly is the best way to grow your freelance business. But, remember, this pitching should be done via email, not Facebook DMs.
This may seem like an unnecessary step. After all, you’ve connected on Facebook and have built a relationship, why can’t you send over a value-packed DM? Well, no matter how helpful a DM may be, unsolicited DMs can be more intrusive and you might get marked as spam. Which, as a result, could get your Facebook business page taken down. So, make sure you get permission to DM someone before firing a cold pitch through Facebook.
If you follow the correct steps listed above, Facebook can easily help you find freelance clients. Just focus on offering helpful, insightful advice and positioning yourself as a friendly resource. You’ll start to see your digital relationships (and requests for calls) stack up quickly.
Your turn! Are you excited to start finding freelance clients on Facebook? What are your plans for putting the tips to action? Let me know in the comments below!
Last Updated on July 1, 2023.
